Bis(9-aminoacridine) DNA intercalating agents having antitumor activity

Abstract

A series of bis-acridinyl DNA intercalating agents with anticancer cell activity represented by formula (I), where Z is a linear arrangement of multiple aromatic rings, containing at least three aromatic rings, or at least two alicyclic rings, said rings being linked in a 1,4 or 1,3 manner are provided. Methods of inhibiting cancer cells and treating patients having cancer with these agents are also provided.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A compound having formula (I):                    
       wherein Z is selected from a group consisting of                    
       in either a cis-cis, cis-trans, or trans-trans configuration,                    
     
     
       2. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of claim  1  in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
       3. A method of inhibiting growth of leukemia cells comprising contacting leukemia cells with an effective amount of a compound of claim  1  so that growth of the cells is inhibited. 
     
     
       4. A method of treating leukemia comprising administering to a patient suffering from leukemia an effective amount of a composition of claim  2 .